Thierry Dubois is a freelance writer specializing in helicopters, business aviation and aerospace technology. He earned a degree in fluid dynamics from an engineering school in Toulouse, France in the mid-1990s. At an unexpected crossroads, he found his first job in journalism. In 1997, he started working for French aerospace weekly Air &amp; Cosmos in Paris. This lasted until 2000, when he moved south to Lyons. He then became a freelancer, working for various aerospace publications and has been part of the AIN team since late 2000. In addition to writing about business aviation, Thierry shares responsibility for the rotorcraft section. He also is a regular on-site writer for AIN’s daily editions at international airshows such as the Paris, Farnborough, Dubai and Singapore shows, as well as at EBACE in Geneva.
In 2007, he won the Honeywell award for “Best systems or technology submission” at the Aerospace journalist of the year awards. In 2013, he won an Aerospace Media Award for the "Best Safety, Training &amp; Simulation Submission."
In other activities, Thierry moderates international conferences on aviation technology topics. Thierry is married and has three children, who seem to begin enjoying the mountains–as their parents do.

Writer

Thierry Dubois

The <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/airshow-convention-news/paris-air-show-2011/single-publication-story/browse/0/article/paris-2011-north-sea-weather-baptizes-le-bourget-debut-of-agustawestlands-aw189-twin-engine-heli/?no_cache=1&amp;tx_ttnews%5Bmode%5D=1">AgustaWestland AW189</a> medium twin helicopter will be the first civil application for Microturbo’s e-APU, an auxiliary power unit that delivers essentially electric power. The e-APU60, which will deliver 60 kilowatts for the helicopter’s systems, offers benefits in safety, fuel burn and overall aircraft design, according to Microturbo.
The Toulouse-based equipment manufacturer would give details only for the military, shorter version of the AW189, the AW149, but AIN understands they also apply to the AW189. The e-APU will provide power for de-icing and engine start. It can operate far above any helicopter’s ceiling, at up to 51,000 feet.
In case of one engine failure, the e-APU can feed the aircraft’s systems, thus alleviating some of the strain on the surviving engine, improving safety, said Jean-Baptiste Jarin, sales and customer director. In addition, it eliminates the need for manufacturers to oversize the engines, reducing weight and fuel consumption.
On the Anglo-Italian rotorcraft, it will also electrically power the vapor cycle system for cabin air cooling. To heat the cockpit and cabin on the ground, a modest air bleed has been added, with fans to mix the compressor’s air with ambient air. “This small bleed does not affect the e-APU’s performance,” Jarin said.
Microturbo claims the e-APU will have significantly lower maintenance costs compared with its conventional competitor. The new APU should also be more environmentally friendly, with lower emissions and quieter operation–below 70 dB.
The e-APU has already been ground tested extensively. Flight testing on the AW189 is to begin this year. In parallel, APU certification tests are going on and will be completed late next year. The AW189 is scheduled to enter service in early 2014.
The e-APU’s turbomachinery consists of a single-stage centrifugal compressor and a two-stage axial turbine. On a business jet, it can restart the engine at altitudes up to 41,000 feet, much higher than today’s common limit of 30,000 to 35,000 feet, Jarin said.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Electric APU set to enter service on AW189

The <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/airshow-convention-news/paris-air-show-2011/single-publication-story/browse/0/article/paris-2011-north-sea-weather-ba

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Deadline of Dec. 31, 2030 may have to be moved if a suitable fuel isn't available

FAA’s Rocheleau Admits Unleaded Avgas Timeline May Slip

Charlotte Bailey

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Proposal promises accelerated engine innovation

Sikorsky and Safran Pledge Increased Collaboration 

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

GE and Magellan sign F414 support agreement

Canada Could Keep Gripen Engine Work at Home

Cristofer Slotoroff

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Lessor books up to 520 powerplants

BOC Aviation Locks In Engines for Narrowbody Orders

Agreement covers engine maintenance for the Aer Lingus Regional operator’s ATR 72-600 fleet through 2030

Emerald Airlines Signs P&WC Engine Mx Deal

Kerry Lynch

Ground test beginning on flight-standard hybrid propulsion system

P&WC Steps into Next Phase of Hybrid-electric Testing

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

More In Engines

FAA’s Rocheleau Admits Unleaded Avgas Timeline May Slip

Deadline of Dec. 31, 2030 may have to be moved if a suitable fuel isn't available

Sikorsky and Safran Pledge Increased Collaboration

Proposal promises accelerated engine innovation

Canada Could Keep Gripen Engine Work at Home

GE and Magellan sign F414 support agreement

BOC Aviation Locks In Engines for Narrowbody Orders

Lessor books up to 520 powerplants

Emerald Airlines Signs P&WC Engine Mx Deal

Agreement covers engine maintenance for the Aer Lingus Regional operator’s ATR 72-600 fleet through 2030

P&WC Steps into Next Phase of Hybrid-electric Testing

Ground test beginning on flight-standard hybrid propulsion system

Pratt & Whitney Canada Quebec Plant To See Major Upgrade

The Longueui facility will see a multimillion investment

Lycoming Boosts Time Between Overhaul to 2,600 Hours

New intervals based on endurance testing and fleet data

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN